Fundholders Help Students Learn Differently, Learn More

March 18, 2015

When Nancy and Tom Kingsbury saw how their granddaughter blossomed at AIM Academy, they knew the school was, in their words, “something exceptional.” Isabella, now 12, had struggled with traditional learning. At AIM she had found herself in a different type of classroom where all of her hard work would lead her to thrive.

Supporting AIM Academy and other innovative educational opportunities for children with language-based learning differences has since become a philanthropic priority for the Kingsburys. As Community Foundation fundholders, they hope other fundholders and interested donors will join them in supporting this type of cutting-edge intervention.

AIM, which serves children in grades one through twelve, was founded in 2006. From an original enrollment of 24, AIM has grown to 287 students and is particularly proud of its 100% college acceptance rate.

After watching Isabella’s success, Nancy Kingsbury has agreed to join the school’s Capital Campaign Committee which has raised $5 million toward their $10 million goal for an additional building on campus.

Beyond running the school for its current 287 students, AIM has a clear mandate to disseminate its researched-based methods to as many teachers and students as possible. The space in this new building would vastly expand the teacher training capability.

Approximately 950 teachers from New Jersey alone have been given some sort of literacy training; multiply that by the many students each of these teachers will touch over their careers, and the number is meaningful.

AIM has also started a program this year with the Philadelphia Public School District to provide curriculum and teacher training for K-3 students to make sure these kids gain the skills to become good readers.